Adjustable Weight Training Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An adjustable weight training apparatus. The adjustable weight training apparatus has a vessel with a plurality of compartments, the plurality of compartments having a compartment size and a compartment shape. A plurality of weights has a weight shape the same as the compartment shape and a weight size slightly smaller than the compartment shape such that any individual weight of the plurality of weights fits within any individual compartments within the plurality of compartments. The adjustable weight training apparatus further has a retaining lid, wherein the retaining lid is manually attachable and removable from the vessel, the retaining lid securing any of the plurality of weights loaded within the vessel. Adjustment of an overall weight of the adjustable weight training apparatus requires manual loading and there are no adjustment mechanisms, no weight selectors, no weight switches, and no other means of automatically adjusting the overall weight of the adjustable weight training apparatus.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. nonprovisional application claims benefit to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/062,947, filed on Aug. 7, 2020.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This application relates to exercise equipment. In particular, this application relates to adjustable weight exercise equipment.

BACKGROUND

In weight or strength training it is common to use exercise equipment such as dumbbells, stack weights, or other forces in order to oppose the force generated by muscle contraction. Often the weights have circular or hexagonal cross-sections. Some exercise equipment has fixed weight, while other exercise equipment has means of adjusting the total weight.

Traditional adjustable exercise equipment requires a number of plates of various sizes that can be stacked or slid onto a bar. The weights are secured by a clamp or a nut that secures the weights in place on the bar. Other systems include levers that can lock or release plates. Still other systems, such as adjustable dumbbells, include specially designed bases, wherein a specially designed bar is set within the base and weights that rest within the base can be attached via a levers or rotating switches.

The current application relates to another approach.

SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an adjustable weight training apparatus. The adjustable weight training apparatus has a vessel with a plurality of compartments, the plurality of compartments having a compartment size and a compartment shape. A plurality of weights has a weight shape the same as the compartment shape and a weight size slightly smaller than the compartment shape such that any individual weight of the plurality of weights fits within any individual compartments within the plurality of compartments. The adjustable weight training apparatus further has a retaining lid, wherein the retaining lid is manually attachable and removable from the vessel, the retaining lid securing any of the plurality of weights loaded within the vessel. Adjustment of an overall weight of the adjustable weight training apparatus requires manual loading and there are no adjustment mechanisms, no weight selectors, no weight switches, and no other means of automatically adjusting the overall weight of the adjustable weight training apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an adjustable weight training apparatus.

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the adjustable weight training apparatus seen in FIG. 1A

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view a weight vessel with a weight.

FIG. 3A is a partial exploded perspective view of a weight vessel and a retaining lid.

FIG. 3B is a partial perspective view of the weight vessel and retaining lid shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is plan view of that shown in FIG. 1A with the weight vessel suppressed.

FIG. 4B is a plan view that provides that shown in FIG. 4A, further including a sleeve.

FIG. 5A is a partial perspective view that provides another embodiment of the weight training apparatus.

FIG. 5B is a partial perspective view of the shown in FIG. 5B, without a retaining lid.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a 3×3 weight vessel.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a 7×7 weight vessel.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a weight training apparatus with a cylindrical shape and cylindrical weight.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a weight training apparatus with a hexagonal shape and hexagonal weight shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like components are designated by like reference numerals. Methods of manufacture and various embodiments of the present disclosure are described further herein below.

Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, a perspective view provides an adjustable weight training apparatus 10. Here, the adjustable weight training apparatus is a dumbbell. The adjustable weight training apparatus 10 comprises a weight vessel 12A with a plurality of compartments 14A, the plurality of compartments 14A having a compartment size and a compartment shape. Here, the compartment shape is a cuboid with a rectangular length and a square cross-section. The adjustable weight training apparatus 10 further comprises a plurality of weights, shown further hereinbelow, the plurality of weights with a weight shape the same as the compartment shape and a weight size slightly smaller than the compartment shape such that any individual weight of the plurality of weights fits within any individual compartments within the plurality of compartments 14. A retaining lid 16A, shown in FIG. 1A is manually attachable and removable from the weight vessel 12A. The retaining lid 16A securing any of the plurality of weights loaded within the weight vessel. Here, the adjustable weight training apparatus 10 has another weight vessel 12B, the weight vessels 12A and 12B connected with a bar 18 and a hand grip 20 forming a barbell. Both the weight vessels have through-holes in the middle of their bodies to accommodate the bar.

In the current embodiment, the weight vessel has a 5×5 grid, except for the thru hole that accommodate the bar, that provides 24 compartments for the plurality of weights. To adjust the weight of the adjustable weight training apparatus, the retaining lid is removed, and the weights are added or removed as needed to achieve a desired overall weight. The overall weight of the adjustable weight training apparatus requires manual loading and there are no adjustment mechanisms, no weight selectors, no weight switches, and no other means of automatically adjusting the overall weight of the adjustable weight training apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing a detailed view of a weight 22. The weight shape is cuboid and matches the compartment shape. The weight can be made from any material including polymers, metals, and composites of a plurality of materials. In one preferred embodiment the weight is made from a metal alloy. The weight can be raw material or finished with a coating. The weight 22 size is slightly smaller than the compartment size to allow manual installation and removal. The physical weight of the weight depends on the material, shape, and size of the weight. The weight is preferably a common integer or a simple fraction of commonly used physical weight standards such as pounds (lbs.) and/or grams/kilograms (g/kg). One preferred physical weight size for the U.S. market is approximately 1 lb. Here, “approximately” is intended to take into account minor weight variations due to manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances and combinations thereof. In the current embodiment shown, the plurality of compartments is 24, allowing at total of 48 of the plurality of weights to be loaded into weight vessel 12A and 12B.

FIGS. 3A and 3B provides perspective views of the weight training apparatus 10 with detail on the weight vessel 12A and retaining lid 16A. Vessel 12A has a first plurality of overhang latch members 30A and a second plurality of overhang latch members 30B. Overhang latch members 30A have an overhang in a first direction. Overhang latch members 30B have an overhang in a second direction. Here, the first direction and second direction are orthogonal to one another. Similarly, the retaining lid 16A has a plurality of underhung latch members 32A in the first direction and a plurality of underhung latch members 32B in the second direction. Furthermore, retaining lid 16A has a buckle system with a first pin 34A and a second pin 34B. The pins 34A and 34B act similar to a buckle and are deformable.

Operationally, to install the retaining lid 16A onto the weight vessel 12A, one must depress the pins 34A and 34B, push the retaining lid onto the weight vessel. While aligning the underhung latch members slightly below the overhang latch members, one then slides the retaining lid such that the underhung latch members and the overhung latch members overlap, then release the first pin and second pin. The first and second pin have an interference fit, such as shown in FIG. 3B, that prevents the retaining lid from detaching from the weight vessel unless the first and second pin are depressed.

Another feature of the retaining lid is a plurality of holes 38. The plurality of holes are aligned upon each of the plurality of weight compartments when the retaining lid is installed and secured. The plurality of holes provides a visual into the plurality of weight compartments to determine how many weights are installed. Further, the plurality of holes allows air movement and prevents suction of the retaining lid onto the weight vessel.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, assembly and further details of the weight apparatus are provided. FIG. 4A provides a view of weight training apparatus 10 with weight vessel 12A and 12B suppressed. Here, the bar 18 is a bolt with a bolt head 18A and a bolt nut 18B. The bolt acts as the bar and runs through the middle of weight vessel 12A and 12B with the hand grip 20 between. An appropriate torque is applied to secure the assembly. Thread lock, lock washers, and other such devices may be used to ensure the nut is secured on the bolt's threads. In other embodiments, a simple stock metal bar can be used in place of the bolt. Retaining clips can be placed at either end of the bar to secure the weight vessels.

The hand grip 20 is textured to prevent slippage when used. The grip can made from a polymer or any other suitable substance for manual handling. The hand grip can be created to provide a friction fit, adhered to the bar, or otherwise remain loose. In some embodiments, a sleeve 50 can be position over the bar 18 to increase the width of the bar or provide a different bar cross-section shape. Here, the grips have circular cross-sections.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an alternate embodiment is provided. Here, an adjustable weight training apparatus 100 has a weight vessel 112 with a plurality of compartments 114 and retaining lid 116. The weight vessel is substantially similar to that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, except here, an alternate method of securing the retaining lid 116 is provided.

Here, the weight vessel 112 has a plurality of overhang latch members 30 and the retaining lid has a plurality of underhung latch members that allow the retaining lid to slide in one direction. The latches are offset and have clearance sufficient to only slightly displace the retaining lid relative to the weight vessel as opposed to having a slot or groove that would require full displacement of the retaining lid. An interference fit can add friction to the overhang and underhung latches. A magnet 121 can be installed in the middle of the retaining lid to prevent the retaining lid from sliding. When using magnets to help secure the retaining lid, the bar must be a ferromagnetic material and magnet embed or otherwise adhered to the retaining lid. The retaining lid further has a finger indentation 123 that provides a gripping area to slide the lid.

As further shown in FIG. 5B, a bar 118 is a stock bar and a retaining clip 119 keeps the weight vessel 112 secured to the bar 118. In other embodiments, adhesives such as epoxy, can be used to attach the weight vessels. When using a stock bar, the bar must be made from a material suitable for the intended overall weight of the weight training apparatus. For light weight to medium weight, a polymer bar can be used. For heavier weights, a metal bar or alloy can be used. A finish can be added to the bar to prevent corrosion. In a barbell embodiment, the bar is completely or nearly completely covered by the weight vessel and hand grip, a rough, stock polymer, or metal bar can be used. A longer bar can be implemented. A magnet at each end of the bar can reside within the retaining lid or the bar to help secure the lid.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 various other embodiments of the weight vessel are provided.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, a weight vessel 612 and a weight 712 are provided. Weight vessels 612 and 712 are substantially similar to the shown in FIG. 1-5, except for the number of the plurality of compartments. Weight vessel 612 has a plurality of compartments in a 3×3 grid, allowing for 8 weights. Weight vessel 712 has a 7×7 grid allowing for 48 weights.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, various shaped weight vessels are shown. FIG. 8 provides a weight vessel 812 wherein a plurality of compartments 814 are cylindrically shaped. In addition, the retaining lid 818 is circular has an external threading to screw onto an internal threading of the weight vessel 812 to secure the plurality of weights 822.

FIG. 9 provides a weight vessel 912, wherein the weight vessel is hexagonal, and a plurality of compartments 914 and plurality of weights 922 have an elongated hexagonal shape.

Manufacturing of the various parts is relatively simple. The retaining lid, weight vessel, and hand grip can be machined, printed with additive manufacturing equipment, or molded. The bolt, nut, stock bar, retaining clip or adhesives can be purchased off-the-shelf. The bar can also be purchased in predetermined lengths or cut to a predetermined length. Assembly of the weight training apparatus can be automated or performed manually.

Assembly is also simple. For the barbell embodiment, the handgrip is positioned on the middle of the barbell and optionally secured with adhesive or mechanically. The weight vessels are added to either end of the end and secured with adhesive or mechanically secured. The weight vessels are permanently attached. The retaining lid and plurality of weights are removably attachable.

From the description of the present invention provided herein one skilled in the art can manufacture the apparatus and practice the methods in accordance with the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will recognize that while above-described embodiments and method of manufacture are exemplified using particular materials, others may be combined using these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Although some of the embodiments explained above have certain symmetry one skilled in the art will recognize that such symmetry is not a requirement. In summary, the present invention is described above in terms of particular embodiments. The invention, however, is not limited to the embodiments described and depicted herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable weight training apparatus comprising: a weight vessel with a plurality of compartments, the plurality of compartments having a compartment size and a compartment shape; a plurality of weights, the plurality of weights with a weight shape the same as the compartment shape and a weight size slightly smaller than the compartment shape such that any individual weight of the plurality of weights fits within any individual compartments within the plurality of compartments; a retaining lid, wherein the retaining lid is manually attachable and removable from the vessel, the retaining lid securing the plurality of weights loaded within the vessel; and wherein adjustment of an overall weight of the adjustable weight training apparatus requires manual loading and there are no adjustment mechanisms, no weight selectors, no weight switches, and no other means of automatically adjusting the overall weight of the adjustable weight training apparatus.
 2. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bar, the bar connected to the vessel.
 3. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 2, wherein the number of the vessels attached to the bar is two.
 4. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 2, wherein the bar is a bolt and a nut.
 5. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 2, wherein the bar is a stock metal bar.
 6. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 2, wherein the bar has a polymer grip.
 7. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight vessel is square shaped, circular shaped, or hexagon shaped.
 8. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of weights is cuboid.
 9. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of weights weighs approximately 1 lb.
 10. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of weights is made from steel based, iron based, or other similarly dense metals.
 11. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight vessel is made from a polymer.
 12. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight vessel has 8, 24, or 49 compartments.
 13. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight vessel has a plurality of overhang latch members.
 14. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein some of the plurality of overhang latch members overhang in at least a first direction and other of the overhang latch members overhang in a second direction.
 15. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retaining lid has a buckle system with a first pin and a second pin.
 16. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retaining lid fits onto the weight vessel with a friction fit.
 17. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight vessel shape is square, circular, or hexagonal.
 18. The adjustable weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight vessel's compartment shape is square, circular, or hexagonal. 